Lucas Hatton

  • Lucas Hatton, born April 28, 1995, in Eatonville, Washington, is a professional strongman and the reigning America’s Strongest Man (2023, 2024).
  • He transitioned from collegiate sports (football, track, weightlifting) to strongman competitions in 2018, quickly rising to international prominence.
  • Notable achievements include world records in barbell split jerk (247.5 kg, 2025) and circus dumbbell press ladder (2024), plus a 2nd-place finish at the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic.
  • His journey reflects dedication, with aspirations to compete at the World’s Strongest Man, though he has not yet claimed that title.

Background and Early Life:
Lucas Hatton grew up in Eatonville, Washington, excelling in football and track at Eatonville High School. He continued his athletic career at Pacific Lutheran University, competing in football, track and field (shot put, discus, hammer), weightlifting, and powerlifting, which built his foundation for strongman success.

Career Highlights:
Hatton began strongman competitions in 2018, achieving 5th place at the 2022 Official Strongman Games, 2nd at 2023 North America’s Strongest Man, and winning America’s Strongest Man in 2023 and 2024. In 2025, he set a world record in the barbell split jerk (247.5 kg) at the Arnold Strongman Classic, where he placed 2nd.

Current Status:
As of April 17, 2025, Hatton remains a top contender in strongman, aiming for the World’s Strongest Man title. His recent performances, including world records and consistent podium finishes, position him as a rising star in the sport.

Lucas Hatton: From Eatonville to America’s Strongest Man and Beyond

In the realm of strength sports, where raw power meets unyielding determination, Lucas Hatton has emerged as a formidable force. Hailing from the small town of Eatonville, Washington, Hatton has transformed from a multi-sport collegiate athlete into the reigning America’s Strongest Man, securing the title in both 2023 and 2024. As of April 17, 2025, his career is marked by world records, international podium finishes, and an ambitious pursuit of the World’s Strongest Man title. This biography explores Hatton’s journey, from his early athletic roots to his meteoric rise in the strongman world, offering a detailed look at his achievements and aspirations.

Early Life: A Foundation in Strength

Born on April 28, 1995, in Eatonville, Washington, Lucas Hatton grew up in a close-knit community nestled near Mount Rainier. His early years were defined by a passion for sports, which he channeled into football and track and field at Eatonville High School. A standout athlete, Hatton earned four-year letters in both sports, captaining his teams and securing six state medals in track events like shot put, discus, and hammer throw. His football prowess earned him a spot in the East-West All-State game, showcasing his competitive edge.

Hatton’s athletic journey continued at Pacific Lutheran University, where he played football and competed in track and field, weightlifting, and powerlifting. These disciplines honed his strength, agility, and mental toughness, laying the groundwork for his future in strongman. His collegiate years were a crucible, blending physical training with a disciplined mindset that would prove invaluable in the years to come.

Discovering Strongman: A New Calling

In 2018, at the age of 23, Hatton stumbled upon strongman competitions, a sport that perfectly aligned with his physical gifts and competitive spirit. Starting with local events in Washington, he quickly distinguished himself, leveraging his background in powerlifting and track to excel in the demanding tasks of strongman, such as lifting atlas stones, carrying yokes, and pressing massive weights overhead. By 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Hatton’s commitment to the sport deepened, as he found solace and purpose in training and competing.

His rapid progression caught the attention of the strongman community. In 2022, Hatton made his international debut at the Official Strongman Games, finishing an impressive 5th place. This marked the beginning of his ascent to the top echelons of the sport, setting the stage for a series of remarkable achievements.

Major Achievements: A Rising Star

Hatton’s career trajectory is a testament to his relentless drive and natural talent. His key accomplishments include:

  • 2022: 5th place at the Official Strongman Games, signaling his arrival on the global stage.
  • 2023:
  • 2nd place at North America’s Strongest Man, showcasing his growing prowess.
  • 1st place at America’s Strongest Man, held at the Mr. Olympia Expo in Orlando, Florida, where he outperformed 12 top heavyweight strongmen across six events.
  • 2nd place at the Arnold Amateur Strongman Competition.
  • 2024:
  • 3rd place at the Strongest Man on Earth (Shaw Classic), competing against elite strongmen.
  • 3rd place at the Arnold UK Strongman Classic, finishing behind Mitchell Hooper and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson.
  • 2nd place at North America’s Strongest Man.
  • 1st place at America’s Strongest Man, defending his title in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 11-12, 2024, with a dominant performance across six events.
  • Set world records in:
    • Circus dumbbell press ladder: 102–129.5 kg (225–285 lb) in 78.78 seconds at the Strongest Man on Earth.
    • Medley: 453.5 kg (1,000 lb) yoke for 15m into three circus dumbbells (110–130 kg) in 131.81 seconds at the Arnold UK.
  • 2025:
  • 2nd place at the Arnold Strongman Classic, where he set a world record in the barbell split jerk with 247.5 kg (546 lb) and deadlifted 420 kg (926 lb) using an elephant bar.

Notable Performances: Mastery Across Events

Hatton’s versatility is evident in his standout performances in various strongman events, showcasing his proficiency in both static and dynamic lifts:

  • 2023 America’s Strongest Man: Hatton axle pressed 200 kg (441 lb) in the Max Axle Press, tying for first place and setting the tone for his victory. His performance in the Power Stairs, lifting weights up to 240 kg (530 lb) up four steps, was pivotal in securing the title.
  • 2024 Strongest Man on Earth: He deadlifted 388.5 kg (856 lb) and set a world record in the circus dumbbell press ladder, completing five dumbbells (102–129.5 kg) in 78.78 seconds. His keg toss, throwing a 15 kg (33 lb) keg over 6.1 meters, further demonstrated his explosive power.
  • 2024 North America’s Strongest Man: Hatton pressed a log of 211 kg (465 lb), one of the heaviest lifts in the competition.
  • 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic: His world-record barbell split jerk of 247.5 kg (546 lb) and elephant bar deadlift of 420 kg (926 lb) underscored his dominance in overhead and pulling strength.

Personal Bests: A Showcase of Strength

Hatton’s personal bests reflect his extraordinary physical capabilities:

  • Squat (Raw with sleeves): 363 kg (800 lb) for 3 reps, 340 kg (750 lb) for 8 reps, 272 kg (600 lb) for 20 reps.
  • Manhood Stone (Max Atlas Stone): 229 kg (505 lb) over a 4 ft bar.
  • Barbell Split Jerk (Behind the Neck): 247.5 kg (546 lb), a world record set in 2025.
  • Deadlift (Elephant Bar, Raw with Straps): 420 kg (926 lb) at the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic.
  • Log Press: 211 kg (465 lb) at 2024 North America’s Strongest Man.
  • Circus Dumbbell Press: 130 kg (287 lb) at 2024 Arnold UK.

A Champion’s Mindset and Community Impact

Hatton’s success is not solely due to his physical strength but also his mental resilience and strategic approach. He has spoken about the importance of preparation, noting that strongman competitions test endurance, focus, and adaptability. His 2023 America’s Strongest Man win was particularly emotional “America’s Strongest Man was actually my first professional win and first win since I competed at the local level, so this title means the world to me.”

Beyond his competitive achievements, Hatton remains deeply connected to his Eatonville roots. He engages with fans through his Instagram account (@lucas.hatton), sharing updates on his training and competitions. His journey has inspired his community, celebrating his rise as a hometown hero.

Future Aspirations: Chasing the World’s Strongest Man

Hatton’s ambitions extend far beyond his current accolades. He has set his sights on qualifying for the Giants Live Arena Tour, a prestigious strongman circuit, and ultimately competing at the World’s Strongest Man, the pinnacle of the sport. While he has not yet claimed the World’s Strongest Man title, his consistent improvement and world-record performances suggest he is a strong contender for future competitions.

His 2025 season, starting with a 2nd-place finish at the Arnold Strongman Classic, indicates that he is peaking at the right time. Fans and analysts, as seen in discussions on Reddit, predict that Hatton, alongside other young strongmen like Hoath and Derwinsky, could dominate the sport in the coming years.

Table: Lucas Hatton’s Career Milestones

YearCompetitionAchievementNotable Performance
2022Official Strongman Games5th PlaceInternational debut
2023North America’s Strongest Man2nd PlaceLog press: 211 kg (465 lb)
2023America’s Strongest Man1st PlaceAxle press: 200 kg (441 lb)
2024Strongest Man on Earth3rd PlaceCircus dumbbell press ladder world record
2024Arnold UK Strongman Classic3rd PlaceMedley world record
2024America’s Strongest Man1st PlaceDefended title
2025Arnold Strongman Classic2nd PlaceBarbell split jerk world record: 247.5 kg (546 lb)

Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making

Lucas Hatton’s journey from a small-town athlete to America’s Strongest Man is a story of grit, talent, and unwavering determination. His world records, back-to-back America’s Strongest Man titles, and international podium finishes have cemented his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars. As he continues to chase the World’s Strongest Man title, Hatton’s legacy is already taking shape, inspiring aspiring strongmen and his Eatonville community alike. With his sights set on global dominance, the future holds boundless possibilities for this powerhouse from Washington.

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